The first tax free shopping holiday of the year is later this month in Louisiana.

The holiday will focus on hurricane preparedness.

The holiday is held on the last Saturday and Sunday in May and you can only buy certain items:

—Self-powered light sources, such as flashlights and candles;
—Portable self-powered radios, two-way radios, and weather-and radios;
—Tarpaulins or other flexible waterproof sheeting;
—Ground anchor systems or tie-down kits;
—Gas or diesel fuel tanks;
—Batteries—AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, or 9-volt (automobile batteries and boat batteries are not eligible);
—Cellular phone batteries and chargers;
—Non-electric food storage coolers;
—Portable generators;
—Storm shutter devices; Materials and products manufactured, rated, and marketed specifically for the purposes of preventing window damage from storms.

The 2008 Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, May 24th, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 25th. The sales tax holiday does not extend to hurricane-preparedness items or supplies purchased at any airport, public lodging establishment or hotel, convenience store, or entertainment complex.

For more information, visit http://www.revenue.louisiana.gov.